12. Weird eyebrows, Ancient China

Among the Chinese, it was very common to pluck one’s eyebrows and draw them on again. The new eyebrows became really weird: perfectly round or unnaturally straight. Such masterpieces were called “faraway hills,“ ”willow’s leaves,” and “moth’s antennas.”

Meanwhile, different types of eyebrows were popular during different time periods, just like nowadays.

10. Elongated skulls, various locations worldwide

It’s interesting to know that artificially elongated heads were popular among several unrelated peoples in different times: the Huns, the Italians, the Sarmatians, the Maya peoples, and some African peoples. It was common even in France in the 20th century.

To change a skull shape, parents had to bandage a baby’s head with a ribbon or put him in a special cot.

7. Long nails, Ancient China

It was fashionable to have extremely long nails in China. Such nails symbolized wealth and idleness (of course! How would one work with such “adornments”?). People also thought it was easier to talk to deities this way.

The Chinese also created special golden cases decorated with jewels

6. Face tattoos, Maori People

The Maori are people of Oceania who are well known for their love for tattoos. Men covered not only their bodies but also their faces with different patterns. And women tattooed their chin, upper neck, and lips.

They used special chisels, not the needles we are used to. Just imagine how “pleasant” it was.

4. Pagan tattoos, The Balkans

Bosnian, Croatian, and Albanian women used to have their hands tattooed with solar symbols. These date back to the pagan past and serve as amulets. People got such tattoos during the vernal equinox. One more advantage was that the Turks didn’t steal tattooed women for their harems.

2. Male beauty contest, Wodaabe Tribe, Nigeria

Everything is vice versa in the Wodaabe tribe. The men are to cultivate beauty and be attractive. During the Gerewol, a male beauty contest, women can choose their future husbands.

Men paint their eyes and lips in black to emphasize the whiteness of the whites of their eyes and teeth, wear intricate hats, and paint their faces. By the way, women are no slouches either. They are considered to be the most beautiful in Africa

Bonus: Nose tunnels, Apatani People

All of the previous fashion choices were made in the pursuit of beauty. But that’s not so for the Apatani women who live in India.

This nation once faced the risk of extinction. Men from other tribes were stealing Apatani women because of their beauty. So the Apatani decided to insert special plugs into their noses and tattoo their faces to spoil their natural beauty. This plan played a positive role and helped the people to survive.